BALANCE, MUSCLE STRENGTH AND DUAL TASKING IN THE ELDERLY

Introduction: To examine the balance ability and muscle strength in the elderly and to identify the effects of dual tasking on gait velocity and balance in relation to aging and history of falling. Materials and Method: Thirty-six volunteers were enrolled in this study. Balance ability was assessed by Tinetti assessment tool, timed up and go test (TUG) and TUG while carrying a full cup of water (TUG-dual task). Muscle strength was assessed by a hand grip and pinch strength of hands was measured by a dynamometer. Results: Of all participants, 18 were aged over 65 years. The second group included 18 subjects younger than 65 years. TUG and TUG-dual task measurements were significantly different between the two groups (for TUG, 13.38 +/- 4.53 sec vs. 9.74 +/- 1.93 sec p=0.004; for TUG-dual task, 13.67 +/- 4.88 sec vs. 10.15 +/- 2.09 sec p=0.008). First group's hand grip and pinch strength values were significantly lower than that of those aged less than 65 years. Tinetti gait and total scores were significantly lower in the elderly group. In both groups, there was no significant difference between TUG and TUG-dual task performances. Conclusion: Strength measurements and balance scores of the elderly group were lower than the younger group. Dual tasking used in this study seems to have no effect on balance and gait performance.